‘For those of us climbing to the top of the food chain, there can be no mercy,’ teases Frank, before addressing the audience directly and adding: ‘Welcome back.’

Frank will go to any lengths to keep his dark secrets under wraps (Picture: YouTube)

According to the show’s synopsis, ‘Frank’s rapid ascension to the heights of power means big changes for both him and Claire, but his sudden rise creates powerful enemies and the increasing chance that his dark secrets will be exposed.

‘There is but one rule: Hunt or be hunted.’

Photographer Adam Galloway, political reporter Janine Skorsky and Lucas Goodwin at the Washington Herald appear to be among those set to suffer this time around.

All 13 episodes of House of Cards series two will be available on Netflix as of Friday.